New Delhi: As part of an austerity measure, the Delhi government has imposed a ban on purchase of new vehicles for all officials, including those of civic bodies in the city, until the old ones complete their required life cycles.

As per the new move, officials are also not supposed to buy new vehicles costing up to Rs 4.75 lakh.

The government order, issued recently, is applicable to all its departments, the three municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs) and the New Delhi Municipal Council.

“Ban on purchase of new vehicles (including staff cars) will continue except against condemnation. If the old car has completed its required life, officials can then purchase new one, which costs up to Rs 4.75 lakh,” said a senior government official.

The official also said that new vehicle may be purchased only through DGS&D (Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals) rate contract mode, adding, that during buying cars, it may be considered on the model base and parameters like fuel economy, eco-friendliness, among others.

Delhi government's move comes after the Centre recently issued directions to all its ministries in this regard. “We have directed all officials of state government to follow its new instructions strictly.

Government's new move is being taken as a part of its austerity measures,” he added. Delhi government recently also announced expenditure ceiling for its official meetings and lunches and even has set a limit on the amount of fuel consumption for vehicles.

Government had recently fixed 200 liters of fuel per vehicle and fixed an expenditure ceiling for an inaugural function at Rs 10,000.

Besides, a department can spend Rs 300 on working lunch during meeting and conference with a ceiling of Rs 10,000 per occasion.